Battle of Puebla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Puebla
Part of the Second French intervention in Mexico
Depictions of the battle showing Mexican cavalry overwhelming the French troops below the fort at Loreto Scene recreated by Francisco P. Miranda. Oil on canvas, 1872
Date May 5, 1862 Location Puebla City, Mexico Result Mexican Republican victory Political victory for Mexican republicans
Belligerents
Second Federal Republic of Mexico	Second French Empire Mexican nobility
Commanders and leaders
Ignacio Zaragoza Benito Juárez	Charles de Lorencez
Strength
4,500	6,500 soldiers
Casualties and losses
87 killed, 131 wounded, 12 missing	476 killed, 304 wounded, 35 captured

The Battle of Puebla happened on May 5, 1862. It took place near Puebla City in Mexico. This battle was part of the "Second French invasion of Mexico."

The Mexican Army won a big victory over the French soldiers. Even though the French later won other battles, the win at Puebla was very important. It gave the Mexican army a huge boost in confidence. It also slowed down the French army's march toward Mexico City.

Why the Battle Happened

Mexico's Money Problems

From 1858 to 1860, Mexico had a civil war called the "Reform War." This war caused big problems for Mexico's economy. When Benito Juárez became president in 1861, Mexico was in debt to other countries. He had to stop paying back these foreign debts for two years.

European Countries Get Involved

In October 1861, diplomats from Spain, France, and Britain met in London. They formed an alliance called the Tripartite Alliance. Their main goal was to invade Mexico. They wanted to take control of Veracruz, a major port city.

The idea was to make the Mexican government agree to pay its debts. They also wanted money for harm caused to foreign citizens in Mexico. In December 1861, Spanish troops arrived in Veracruz. British and French troops followed in early January 1862.

The Alliance Breaks Apart

The allied forces took over Veracruz and moved to Orizaba. But by April 1862, the Tripartite Alliance fell apart. It became clear that France wanted to make harsh demands on the Juarez government. France also seemed to want a war.

So, the British and Spanish troops left Mexico. This left the French to march alone toward Mexico City. The French leader, Napoléon III, wanted to set up a government in Mexico that he could control.

Images for kids

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  Map of the battle terrain

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  An image of Fort Guadalupe

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Puebla para niños